Furnace electrode suspension



Feb. 23, 1932. G RlPBERGER 1,846,040

FURNACE ELECTRODE SUSPENSION Filed May 27, 1931 4 Sheets-Sheet l and")! &

jwuanko'o y 15 5 A. alilpfielger /tuwe Clttoznew Feb. 23, 1932. A, R|pBERGER 1,846,040

FURNACE ELECTRODE SUSPENS ION Filed May 27, 1931 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 A. Q Hlpberger yam Feb. 23, 1932.

A G. RIPBERGER 1,846,040 FURNACE ELECTRODE SUSPENSION Filed May 27, 1951 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 A. G. Haberger Feb. 23, 1932. A. G. RIPBERGER 1,846,040

FURNACE ELECTRODE SUSPENS ION Filed May 27, 1951 4 Sheets-Sheet- 4 Jwuenioz A. a fizpber qer over the furnace.

Patented Feb. 23, 1932 UNlTED STATES PATENT OFFICE ALEXANDER G. RIPIBERGEB, 0F ZANESVILLE, OHIO, ASSIGNOR TO OHIO FERRO-ALLOYS CORPORATION, OF CANTON, OHIO, A CORPORATION OF OHIO FURNACE ELECTRODE SUSPENSION Application filed May 27, 1931. Serial No. 540,228.

The invention relates to electric furnaces of the arc type having one or more vertically disposed electrodes suspended within the furnace.

More. particularly, the invention relates to are type electric furnaces having vertical electrodes, wherein it is desirable for facilitating charging and promoting even distribution of the charge within the furnace, to omit the usual top wall or roof rendering the furnace open to the atmosphere.

In such electric furnaces a transformer spaced from the rear of the furnace usually supplies current for the electrodes, and the current is led from the transformer through suitable conductors such as bus bars, flexible cables, and water cooled copper tubes to electrode holders supporting the electrodes, and thence to the electrodes. It is necessary to suspend the electrode holders from above the furnace in such a way as to provide for an indepen dent raising and lowering of each of the electrodes relative to the furnace, in order to compensate for the burning ofi or minsumption of the bottom of each electrode, and to maintain a substantially equal amount of current flowing through all electrodes at all times.

Because of the intense heat rising from the furnace around the electrode holders, current usually conducted to the holders by means of water cooled copper tubes, and means must be provided for raising and lowering these tubes alongwith the electrode holders and electrodes. Current carrying cables are usually provided to effect a flexible connection between the stationary bus bars connected to the transformer and the vertically movable copper tubes.

In the past the electrode holders and tubes have been suspended from sheaves rotatably mounted over the furnace upon a steel framework located at the sides of and extending In order to provide for independent vertical adiustability of each electrode, a pair of cables, one secured to each side of the electrode holder, have been passed over sheaves rotatable about a horizontal axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the furnace; the longitudinal axis Two supporting cables have been employed for suspending each electrode, in order to maintain the electrode in a true vertical position, for the reason that the electrodes are originally relatively long and are suspended from a point below their longitudinal centers.

Accordingly, in such prior structures, there are two sheaves for each electrode which must necessarily be mounted on a horizontal shaft or shafts perpendicularly disposed to the longitudinal axis of the furnace, and the shafts are journaled in bearings substantially directly above the electrodes. These bearings are supported upon cross members of the framework, which cross members consequently extend directly over the hottest portion of the furnace.

lVhen two or more electrodes are suspended within the furnace, the span between the side frame members is so great that intermediate longitudina] frame members are required to support the central portions of the cross members; and these intermediate longitudinal members also extend over the central port-ion of the furnace.

If two electrodes are employed, they are arranged upon a horizontal axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the furnace, and the bearings and supporting sheaves are mounted upon a single horizontal cross frame member disposed at right angles to the longit-udinal axis of the furnace. If, however, three electrodes are employed in the well known triangular orientation arrangement, a second cross frame member extending over the furnace is required for supporting the bearings and sheaves for the third electrode.

Thus the sheaves, bearings, cables, and the supporting framework therefor in such prior structures are all located directly over the furnace and subjected to intense heat. In a relatively short time the effect of this heat Each of the cables for each electrode, resul causes unequal expansion of the supporting ring in the tendency of the electrode to tilt out of vertical alinement; the bearings become dry, or.

the furnace, it is necessary to longitudinally move the sheaves, bearings, and supporting frame members.

It has been attempted. to water cool the sheave bearings, but this requires a water circulating system and proves costly andunsatisfactory, because, even though the bearings are water cooled, t 1e frame members exposed to the heat cannot be satisfactorily cooled.

Unless counter-weights are provided for the electrodes, the power required to raise and lower the electrodes and their heavy holders is relatively great, and this prior type of electrode suspension requires a complicated system of cables and sheaves to operatively connect the supporting cables with counterwelghts located at the sides or rear of the furnace and away from the conductors.

' And finally, in such prior constructions,

the supporting framework required above the furnace presents an extensive surface area wh1ch substantially restricts the direction of the upward flow of the hot gases arising from the furnace, with the result that a large part of the heat is reflected instead of being immediately carried away, thereby increasing the deleterious effect upon all parts over the furnace.

' It is therefore an object of the presentinvention to provide a construction and arrangement for vertically adj ustably suspend ing electrodes within a furnace, which arrangement will substantially reduce the T111111 ber of operating parts located directly above the furnace. r

Another object of the invention is to minimize the amount'of supporting framework required directly above the furnace.

A. further object of the invention is to provide means for raising and lowering each electrode, which means does not require bearings or supporting framework to be located directly over the electrode.

Another object of the invention is to provide a construction for suspending electrodes for a furnace, in which construction a system of counter-weights may be easily and economically incorporated, to reduce power consumption.

A still further object of the invention is to prov1de means for easily adjustlngthe electrodes laterally and longitudinally of the furnace without requiring displacement of.

overhead bearings or supporting framework.

An additional object of the invention is to provide means for automatically moving the electrode holder away from each side of the electrode when it is desired to slip the elec: trode downwardly relative'to the holder, or to replace the electrode.

A further object is to provide for maintaining alinement of each electrode holder regardless of axial twisting of its electrode.

These and other objects are attained by the parts, methods and improvements which comprise the present invention, and which are hereinafter, pointed out in detail and defined in the appended claims. 7

In general terms the invention includes a separable electrode holder and a separable conductor holder for. each electrode, a horizontal rotatable water cooled shaft located over each electrode and substantially parallel with the conductor thereto, a sheave on the.

shaft directly above the electrode, meansconnected between the sheave and the electrode holder at each side of the electrode for suspending the electrode in a vertical position,

another sheave on the shaft directly above the separable conductor holder, means connect- .ing the conductor holder with said other sheave, means for driving the shaft, electrode counter-weight means operatively connected to the shaft, and a supporting framework spaced rearwardly of the central portion of the furnace for supporting the shafts and the driving means therefor. V

A preferred embodiment of the present improvements is illustrated in the accompany-:

ing drawings, inwhich Figure 1' is a plan view of an electric furnace having three vertically disposed electrodes, showing the improved apparatus for suspending the electrodes in the furnace, parts being broken away to show the conductors leading from the transformer;

Fig. 2 is a front view of the furnace and electrode suspending apparatus, showing the furnace in section;

Fig. 3 is a side view partially in section, taken substantially on line 3-8, Fig. 1;

4 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view as on line 4- l, Fig. 3;

. Fig. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary plan sectional view as on line 5-5, Fig. 3, showing the separable electrode holder clamped. around the electrode, and the separable copper tube holder;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary front elevation of an electrode and electrode holder;

and V the. middle electrode, showing the method of water cooling the shaft.

' Similar numerals refer to similar parts throughout the drawings.

A rectangular, open top electric furnace is indicated generally at having the usual steel shell 11 and refractory lining 12. The refractory walls of the furnace form the inner melting chamber 13in which the electrodes are suspended. In the drawings three ver tical electrodes 14a, 14b and 140 are shown, but it will be understood that the invention applies equally to furnaces having a different number of electrodes.

The side 15 of the furnace may be termed the front side, and the side 16 the rear side. The horizontal axis AA- extending from front to rear of the furnace is, for convenience, termed its longitudinal axis, and the usual transformer 17 for supplying current to the electrodes is preferably located upon this axis and spaced from the rear side of the furnace.

The electrodes 14a, 14b and 140 are preferably positioned within the furnace chamber 13 in the well known triangular arrangement as viewed in Fig. 1. The electrode 14a is preferably located on the longitudinal axis A -A of the furnace and adjacent its front side 15, and the electrodes 14b and 140 are preferably located adjacent the rear side of the furnace upon an axis parallel to the lateral axis of the furnace, the electrode 14b being locatedto the left of, and the electrode 140 to the right of the axis AA, as viewed in Fig. 1.

Current is conducted from the transformer 17 to each of the electrodes by means of a. series of conductors located insubstantially parallel relation to the longitudinal axis A-A of the furnace. Current is conducted from the transformer 17, through bus bar-s 18a, flexible cables 19a, copper tubes 20a, an electrode holder indicated generally at 21a, and thence through copper contact pads 22a to electrode 14a. In like manner, current is conducted from the transformer 17 through bus bars 18?). flexible cables 19?), copper tubes 20?), electrode holder 21b, and copper pads 22?) to electrode 145; and through bus bars 180, flexible cables 190, copper tubes 20c, electrode holder 21c and copper pads 220 to electrode 140.

The bus burs 18a, 18b and 180 are electrical- 1V and mechanically connected to flexible cables 19a, 1% and 190 respectively, by means of conductor holders 23a, 23?) and 230 respectively. These holders may be one piece, substantially semi-spherical copper castings, conveniently suspended from the overhead supporting framework indicated generally at 24. Means for suspending each of the conductor holders 23a, 23b and 230 may include a rod 25 connectedat its lower end to the holder by links 26, and at its upper end to a suitable insulator 27. at its upper end to the framework 24,.and a turnbuckle 29 is connected between the. lower end of the rod 28and the insulator 27 for adjusting the length of the suspending means.

The cables 19a, 19b and 190 are electrically and mechanically connected to the copper tubes 20a, 20b and 200 respectively by. means of conductor holders 30a, 30b and 300 respectively. These conductor holders are preferably substantially semi-spherical copper castings, and are each divided vertically intotwo halves, as best; shown in Figs. 4 and 5, for a purpose to be hereinafter described.

Each of the electrode holders 21a, 21b and 210, and each of the conductor-holders30a, 30b and 300 are identical. For the purpose of convenience, only the electrode holder 21c and the conductor holder 30:: will be described in detail.

The holder 210 is separable, and includes the two halves or members-31 and 31' adapted to be mounted at opposite sides of the electrode 140 as best shown in Figs. 5 and 6. The member 31 is provided with a rearwardlyl ex tending angular portion 32, and the member 31' with a rearwardly extending angular portion 32. The angular portions 32- and 32' are adapted to extend inwardly at the rear of the electrode and terminate in tube receiving portions 33 and 33 respectively, for neceiving the forward ends of the copper tubes 200.

The conductor holder 300 includes two halves or members 34 and 34 having the tube receiving portions 35 and 35 respectively, for receiving the rearward ends of the copper tubes 20c. Preferably portion 34= of the conductor holder is alined with portion 33 of the electrode holder, and portion 34 of the conductor holder is alined with portion 33" of the electrode holder, so that the conductor tubes 200 extending between the holdersa're normally maintained in parallel relation to the longitudinal axis AA, as indicated in full lines in Fig. 5. Each of the conductor holder members 34 and 34' is preferably provided with a hanger attaching flange 36, and each of the electrode holder members 33 and 33 is preferably provided with a hanger attaching flange 37.

Copper contacts pads 220 are preferably provided, one for each side of the electrode and adapted to be located between the electrode and the electrode holder halves 3-1 and 31". Lugs 38 may be provided. on each pad 220 for engaging over a flange on the electrode holder and supporting the-pads.

Means for clamping the pads 220 between the electrode 140 and the electrode holder members 31 and 31 may include bolts 39, passing through suitable lugs 40 and 41; at

the front and rear respectively, of members 31 and 31. Nuts 39 may be screwed on" one end oft-he bolts 39.

Thus by tightening up on the nuts 39: the

Arod28is connected STD pads22o may be clamped against the sides of the electrode to make an electrical contact between the electrode holder and the electrode, theelectrode being supported by the holder.

The outer surface of each pad 220 is preferably curved as shown at 42 in Fig. 5 to con fornr with the contacting curved inner surface Q3 of the electrode holder, so that if the electrode becomestwisted axially at any time, the position of the electrode holder will not be disturbed. v v Thepads and electrode holders may be hollow, and the pads, electrode holders and copper tubes 200 may all be Water cooled by meansof suitable connections with a water circulating system, not shown.

The electrode suspending apparatus is preferably supported upon the overhead framework indicated generally at 24. This framework may include horizontal side membersll located substantially above the'sides of and extending to the rear of the furnace. A horizontal cross member 45 extends laterally between side members 44, and preferably overlies the furnace at ornear its rear wall. A second-cross member l6 extends laterally between side members if at points rearwardly spaced from the cross member 45. To the rear of cross member 46 and between side members 44 is preferably provided a supportinggrating or floor 47.

Means for vertically adjustably suspending each electrodewithin the furnace preferably: includes a horizontal rotatable shaft supported onthe framework 24: and located in parallel relation to the longitudinal axis AA of the furnace and in substantially parallel relation to the current conductors leading to the electrodes.

The electrodes 14a, 14b and 140 are adapted to be suspended from the horizontal shafts 50a, 50b and 500 respectively, and the forward ends of each shaft preferably overlie the corresponding electrode. The shaft 50a is journaled in bearings 51a and 52a mounted upon cross members 45 and 46 respectively; the shaft 506 is journaled in bearings 51b and 52b mounted upon cross members 45 and 46 respectively and the shaft 500 is journaled in the bearings 51c and 520 mounted upon cross members 45 and 46-respectively. Preferably the bearings 51a, 51b. and 510 are self-aligning relative to the shaft.

Means for rotating each shaft preferably includes a motor 53 and gear reducer 5a supported upon the floor 47. A flexible coupling 55 is provided between each shaft and its gear reducerto compensate for any misalinement of the shaft due to sagging or warping of the'framework 24. r

Preferably chain sheaves 56a, 56b and 560 i are keyed upon the reduced end portions of shafts 50a, 50b and 500 respectively; and sheaves 57a, 57b and 570 are likewise keyed upon shafts 50a, 50b and 500 respectively, at

points overlying the conductor holders 30a, 30b and 300 respectively; Preferably these sheaves are made separable to facilitate attachment to the respective shafts.

Sheaves 56a and 57a are equal in diameter,

as are sheaves 56b and 57b and sheaves 560 and 570. Chains 58a, 58 and 580 may be secured at one end to sheaves 56a, 56band 560 respectively and at their other end to electrode holderhangers indicated generally at 59a, 59b and 590 respectively. Similarly chains 60a, 60b and 600 are secured atone end to sheaves 57a, 57b and 570 respectively and at their other ends to conductor holder hangers indicated generally at 61a, 61b and 610- respectively.

Thus when any of the respective shafts are rotated the corresponding electrode holders .and electrodes will be raised or lowered, and the corresponding movable conductor holders together with the conductor tubes will be raised or lowered, such as would occur if the suspending chain were allowed to wind more than one turn around the sheave.

If it is desired to change the relative position of the electrodes laterally of the furnace, the same may be accomplished by substituting sheaves of greater or less diameter as the case may require. If it is desired to change the relative position of the electrodes longitudinally of the furnace, this may be accomplished by sliding the sheaves 56a, 565 or 560 along their respective shafts.

I Thus the electrodes may be adjusted laterally or longitudinally of the furnace very economically and in a relatively short time, without displacing or adding to the support-- ing framework, and without changing the position of the shaft or shaft bearings.

The electrode holder hangers indicated generally at 59a, 597) and 590 are identical, as are conductor hangers indicated generally at 61a, 61b and 610. For convenience, only electrode holder hanger 590and conductor holder hanger 610 will be described in detail.

Electrode holder hanger59c preferably includes a triangular equalizer member 62, pivotally secured at its upper end or apex to the lowerend of chain 580, as at63. The base of member 62 is normally maintained in a horizontal position, and at each end thereof a linkage indicated generally at 65, is pivotally secured as at 64. The lower endsof the linkages 65 are pivotally connected to the attaching flanges 37 on the electrode holder 210 at opposite sides of the electrode 140.

linkages are normally maintained in a downwardly inwardly inclined position relative to the electrode. The chain 580, together with the equalizer member 62 and linkages 65, serves to support the electrode in a vertical position, and only one supporting sheave is required above the electrode.

The member 62 is preferably constructed so that the distance between its apex at 63 and its base is relatively great, so as to aid in 5 equalizing uneven loading on the linkages to maintain the electrode in a vertical position. Each linkage 65 preferably includes a link 66 pivotally connected to member 62 as at 64, A and a suitable insulator 67 pivotally connected to the link 66-. This insulator serves to insulate the current flowing-through the electrode holders from the overhead framework and suspending apparatus. The lower end of the insulator 67 is connected as by a bolt 67d to the upper end of an adjusting member 68 adapted for adjusting the length of the linkage 65 to compensate for variations in the lengths of any of its parts.

A link 69 is slidably connected to'the lower 957 end of member'68, and is pivotal-1y connected bymea-ns of short links 70 to the upper end of a long link or bar 71. The lower end of link'71 is pivotally connected by short links '72'to the attaching'flange37 of the electrode holder.

'Thus a linkage is provided which is adjustable longitudinally, and which possesses sufficient flexibility to take care of continuous lowering of the hanger when the electrode is held stationary as by engagement of its bottom with the hearth of the furnace.

The conductor holder hanger 610 is similar in construction to the electrode hanger 59c, and includes a triangular equalizin member 62 and linkages indicated general y at 65'.

The "linkages 65 are pivotally connected to the member 62' at points laterally spaced apart a distance equal to the distance between the pivotal connections of the linkages and the attaching flanges 36 upon the conductor holder 300, so that the linkages 65 normally hang vertically.

Each of the linkages 65 includes upper links 66, insulators 67', adjusting members *68' andlinks 69', 70, 71', and 72'. The links 7 2' are pivotally connected to the attaching flanges 36 upon the conductoriholder.

'When a considerable portion of an electrode, as for instance the electrode 140, becomes burned off or consumed at the bottom,

it becomes necessary to slip the electrode downwardly between the contact pads 220. This may be accomplished by unscrewing the nuts 39, whereupon the electrode holder halves 31 and 31' will move outwardly due to the inclination of the linkages 65. Since the conductor holder 300 is separable also, the electrode holder half 31, conductor half 34 and tubes 200 connected therebetween are permitted to swing outwardly as a unit; and

the electrode holder half 31", conductor hold-v er half 34, and tubes 200 connected therebetween are also permitted to swing outwardly as a unit. The outward positions of the holder and linkage members are substantially shown in dot-dash lines in Figs. 5 and 6. In this position of the parts, the electrode 140 may be slipped downwardly without frictionally engaging the contact pads, or may be taken out and replaced.

For the purpose of decreasing the power required to raise the electrodes, a counterweight system for each of the shafts 50a, 50b and 500 is preferably provided. Counterweight sheaves 7 6a, 76?) and 760 are fixed upon r the respective shafts at points horizontally spaced from the rear side 16 of the furnace,

and the sheave 76a is preferably spaced to the rear of the sheaves 76b and 760.

Cables 77a, 7 7 b and 77 c are secured at one end to the hubs of the sheaves 76a, 76b and 760 respectively, and then pass out through and around the peripheries of the sheaves to extend from the upper portions thereof outwardly laterally of the longitudinal axis of the furnace. The cables 77 a and 77?) extend to the left of the sheaves 7 6a and 76b respectively, as viewed in Fig. 1 and pass'over idler sheaves 7 8a and 7 8?) respectively, which are journaled on a longitudinally extending idler I shaft 79. The shaft 79 is preferably fixed in bearings 80 and 81 mounted upon cross members 45 and 46 respectively. The lower ends of cables 7 7 a and 7 7 Z) extend downwardly into a counter-weight housing 82 located at the left side of the furnace, and have secured on their lower ends, suitable counter-weights 83a and 836 respectively, movable vertically in the housing 82.

Similarly, cable 770 extends to the left of sheave 7 60 over an idler sheave 7 8c journaled upon an idler shaft 85, which is fixed in bearings 86 and 87 mounted upon cross members 45 and 46 respectively. The cable 77c extends downwardly from sheave 780 into a counter-weight housing 88 located at the right side of the furnace, and the lower end of the cable has secured thereon a suitable counter weight 830 movable vertically within the housing 88.

The counter-weight sheaves 76a, 76b and 7 6c are preferably of large diameter relative to sheaves 56a, 56b and 560, from which the electrodes are suspended, so that the larger lever arm of the counter-weight sheaves en- V shaft a is operated'to rotate the shaf ablesthe use of counter-weights of relatively small mass to balance the respective elec-- trodes. Since each counter-w ight sheave is fixed upon the same shaft as the sheave suspending the corresponding electrode, each counter-weight sheave will rotate through less than a full rotation during the required vertical travel ofthe electrode.

' Preferabl the shafts 50a, 50b and 500 are water cooled, and are provided with inlet connection 89a, 89b and 890 respectively, and with outlet connections 9%,90?) and 900 respectively. The method of cooling the shaft 50a is illustrated in 7.

The shaft 50a is provided with a longitudinal bore 91 extending from its forward end to a point spaced to the rear of the bearing 51a; Water enters the inlet connection 89a and passes through a pipe 92 located axially of the shaft and of less outside diameter than the diameter bore 91. ater flows through the pipe 92, to the forward end of the shaft 500, and at the forward end portion of the shaft the pipe is provided with a'series of perforations 93 through which the water is sprayed upon the inner surfac of the here, thereby cooling the hottest part of the shaft, The water circulates rearwardly around the outside of the pipe '92 and discharges through the outlet connection 90c.

Aplug 94: is preferably screwed in the end of the bore 91, 2111C is provided with a pin 95 entering the end of the pipe 92 for the pur pose of centering the same.

' 7 l The shafts 50b and 500 are water cooled in a similar manner.

Each of the inlet and outlet connections to the shafts may be flexibly connected to suitable water circulation system, not shown.

In the operation of the furnace, assuming a current to be flowing from the transformer through the several conductors to the electrodes, if it is required to raise one electrode, as for instance electrode 14a, to adjust no arcing distance between the bottom thereof and thecharge in the furnace in order to adjust the'amount of current flowing through the electrode, the procedure is as follows The motor 53 operatively connected to the t coun tear-clockwise as viewed in Fig. 2. Rotation of the shaft 50a rotates sheaves 56a, 57a and 76a, raising the electrode 14a and lowering the counter-weight 830, so that the parts may assume the positions indicated in dot-dash lines in Fig. 3. By rotating the shaft in a clockwise direction the electrode 14a is lowered and t re counter-weight 83a is raised.

Thus a simple and economically constructed apparatus for raising and lowering the electrodes with a ninimum of power is provided, requiring a minimum number of sheaves directly over the intense heat of the furnace and including no'loearings or supporting; frame- "work directly over the central portion of the promoting adj ustability of the electrodes for efficient and satisfactory furnace operation.

I claim: 7

1. In an electric furnace having a vertically disposed electrode suspended therein, a transformer located at the rear of the furnace, and current conductors extending between the transformer and the electrode, means for vertically adjustably suspending the electrode, said means including a horizontal ro- 1 tatable shaft located in substantially parallel relation to said conductors, means for rotatingthe shaft, and flexible means operatively connecting the shaft with the electrode for moving the electrode vertically when the shaft is. rotated.

2. In an electric furnace having a vertically disposed electrode suspended therein, a transformer locatedat the rear of the furnace, and current conductors extending between the transformer and the electrode,

means for vertically ad iustably suspending 1 the electrode, said means including a horizontal rotatable shaft located in substantially parallel relation to said conductors, means for rotating the shaft, flexible means operatively connecting the shaft with the'1 electrode for moving the electrode vertically when the shaft is rotated, a counter-weight, and flexible meansoperatively connecting the shaft with the counter-weight.

3. In an electric furnace having a vertically disposed electrode'suspended therein, a trans former located at the rear-of the furnace, and

a series of current conductors extending between the transformer and the electrode, means for vertically adjustably suspending the electrode and conductors immediately adjacent thereto, said means including an electrode holder for clamping around the electrode, a conductor holder, conductors connected between the electrode holder and the conductor holder, a horizontal rotatable shaft 7 located in substantially parallel relation to j the series of current conductors, means for rotating theshaft, flexible means operatively connecting the electrode holder ,with the shaft, and flexible means operatively connecting the conductor holder with the shaft.

4c.' In an electric furnace having a vertically disposed electrode suspended therein, a transformer located at the rear of the furnace, and

ammo

a series of current conductors extending between the transformer and the electrode, means for vertically adjustably suspending the electrode and conductors immediately adjacent thereto, said means including an electrode holder for clamping around the electrode, a conductor holder, conductors connected between the electrode holder and the conductor holder, a horizontal rotatable shaft located in substantially parallel relation to the series of current conductors, means for rotating the shaft, a pair of sheaves keyed on the shaft and adjustable longitudinally thereof, a flexible member secured at one end to one of the sheaves, and at its other end to the holder, and another flexible member secured at one end to the other sheave and at its other end to the conductor holder.

5. Electrode suspending means for a furnace having vertically disposed electrodes therewithin and current conductors leading from the rear of the furnace to the electrodes in substantially parallel relation to the longitudinal axis of the furnace, the suspending means including a horizontal rotatable shaft for each electrode located in parallel relation to said longitudinal axis, means for driving the shaft, flexible means operatively connected between the shaft and the electrode for moving the electrode vertically, and a frame work for supporting the shaft and the shaft driving means above the furnace, said frame work being located at the rear of the furnace and terminating substantially over the rear wall thereof.

6. In a furnace having a vertically disposed electrode in the central portion thereof and current conductors leading from the rear of the furnace to the electrode in substantially parallel relation to the longitudinal axis of the furnace, a supporting framework located above the conductors, the framework including a laterally extending cross member located substantially above the rear portion of the furnace, a horizontal shaft located in parallel relation to the longitudinal axis of the furnace and journaled in a bearing supported on said cross member, the forward end of the shaft extending beyond the cross member and over the electrode, and means operatively connecting the forward end of the shaft and the electrode.

7. In combination with a furnace having a vertically disposed electrode therewithin,

c means for vertically adjustably suspending the electrode including, a sheave rotatably mounted above the electrode, means for rotating the sheave, a separable electrode holder including two halves for clamping around the electrode, and flexible hanger means connected between the sheave and the holder adapted to move the holder halves away from the electrode when the holder is unclamped.

8. In combination with a furnace having a vertically disposed electrode therewithin,

means for vertically adjustably suspending the electrode including a sheave rota-tably mounted above the electrode, means for rotating the sheave, an electrode holder adapted for clamping around the electrode and having inner arcuately curved surfaces, means operatively connecting the holder to the sheave, contact pads interposed between the holder and opposite sides of the electrode and having outer arcuately curved surfaces contacting with and conforming to the inner arcuately curved surfaces of the electrode holder, whereby the electrode may be twisted axially without disturbing the position of the holder.

9. In combination with a furnace having a vertically disposed electrode therein and current conductors leading to the electrode, means for vertically adjustably suspending the electrode and conductors, said means including a separable electrode holder includin two halves for clamping around the electrode, a separable conductor holder including two halves, the current conductors being connected between the electrode holder and conductor holder, a sheave rotatably mounted above the electrode holder, means for rotating the sheave, a second sheave rotatably mounted above the conductor holder, means for rotating the second sheave, flexible hanger means connecting each of the conductor holder halves to the second sheave, and flexible hanger means connecting each of the electrode holder halves to the first sheave and adapted to swing each of the electrode holder halves and conductor holder halves and conductors connected therebetween as a unit outwardly away from the electrode when the two halves of the electrode holder are unclamped.

10. Electrode suspending means for a furnace having a vertically disposed electrode therein including a framework located above the furnace and spaced horizontally from the electrode, a substantially horizontal rotatable shaft supported on and extending beyond the framework, the end of the shaft being located substantially directly over the electrode, and means operatively connecting the end of the shaft and the electrode.

11. Electrode suspending means for a furnace having a vertically disposed electrode therein including a framework located above the furnace and spaced horizontally from the electrode, a substantially horizontal rotatable shaft supported on and extending beyond the framework, the end of the shaft being located substantially directly over the electrode, a sheave fixed upon the end of the shaft, and flexible means operatively connecting the sheave with the electrode.

12. In a furnace having a vertically disposed eiectrode in the central portion thereof, an overhead framework including a horizontal cross member located substantially above a wall of the furnace, a substantially horizontal shaft journaled in a bearing supported on I the cross member, the forward endo'f the shaft extending beyond the cross member ana over the electrode, and means operatively connecting' the forward end of the shaft and the electrode. Q V, V c

In testimony the; I claim the above, I have hereunto subscribed my name.

' ALEXANDER- G. RIPBERGER 

